What to Do If You're Considering a Vasectomy

Birth control options are a decision that everyone must make at one point or another in their life. If you're a man, the general consensus is to either use condoms or--for permanent birth control--have a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents sperm from leaving the testes by cutting the vas deferens. Before putting your name on the dotted line, here are a few things for you to do if you're considering a vasectomy.

Research -- Always do your research when it comes to any kind of surgery, even a procedure as simple as a vasectomy. And yes, it really is a simple procedure. Many men cringe at the thought of a vasectomy because of the physical location of the surgery, however, the incisions made for this procedure are normally so small that they don't even require stitches. Make sure you know the facts before you decide the vasectomy isn't for you. Find a good doctor through friends, family, referrals or other trusted sources. Meet the doctor to discuss the procedure, ask any questions you may have and just get to know your comfort level with him. Being comfortable with your decision and your chosen doctor will make the procedure go all the more smoothly.

Consider the future -- Before setting your mind on having a vasectomy, consider your desire for any future children. According to the Mayo Clinic, the effectiveness rate for a vasectomy runs at greater than 99 percent. This means that once the procedure is performed and your body has healed, you will more than likely never father a biological child again. If you've never had children, many urologists will be wary of performing the surgery. You may not want more children now, but what about ten, fifteen, twenty years from now? What if you marry, or remarry, and you discover an urge for children? These are things to think about when considering a vasectomy.

Talk to your spouse/partner -- Ultimately, the decision to have a vasectomy is all your own. However, if you're in a partnership, your spouse has every right to know what you're planning. This effects their future, as well. You'd want them there to support you, help you when you're off your feet and feel good about your decision. Having a vasectomy shouldn't be a one-sided decision when you're life is tied with another's.

Take some time -- Having a vasectomy isn't a decision to be taken lightly. You can't decide today and have to done tomorrow. Most urologists want to meet you, exam you, make sure you know that this to be considered permanent. Then, you'll have to wait for your appointment date. Before all of that, you need time for the decision to sink in and for you to think about what being sterile means to you.

In the end, a vasectomy is a simple procedure for permanent birth control. The majority of health insurance companies will pay for vasectomies, as they feel that it's cheaper than paying for a pregnancy, childbirth and the care of another family member. And in reality, it most definitely it cheaper. However, that doesn't change the fact that this isn't a decision to be taken lightly or made on the spur of the moment. It is to be thought about and discussed, discussed and thought about. It's always better to be happy with a permanent decision rather than to regret it.